How You Can Affect Your Car Accident Claim in Wisconsin

Your car accident claim can be denied if you don’t follow certain protocols. If you find yourself involved in a car accident in Wisconsin, according to the law, you have certain responsibilities that can affect your claim later on. Some of them include the following:

• Make sure you stop at or near the scene of the accident.
• Offer a reasonable amount of assistance to injured parties and call an ambulance for them if necessary.

Keep in mind that if a police officer completes an accident report at the scene, you do not need to file a driver report with the Department of Transportation.

If you are the at-fault driver for the accident and you fail to stop afterward, you can be held for a hit and run, and the victim(s) can pursue punitive damages against you. If you are the victim, a car accident attorney can help you figure out who will pay for your injuries and damages.

When You Should Report an Auto Accident

According to Wisconsin law, your need to report an auto accident depends on the circumstances you find yourself in. For instance, you have to call law enforcement immediately if:

• Anyone is killed or injured at the scene of the accident.
• One or more vehicles must be towed away.
• A property owner suffered upwards of $1,000 in damages because of the accident.
• An animal was injured or killed due to the accident.
• There is $200 or greater in damages to government property.

You will be considered in compliance if an officer files a report. If that doesn’t happen for any reason, you need to file an accident report within 10 days of the accident. Failure to file a report can result in a suspension of your driver’s license, which is not worth the risk.

Whether you were the passenger or the driver in the vehicle, you deserve responsible legal representation that can ensure your rights are protected. If the other driver’s insurance company fails to compensate you, get in touch with our attorneys at the Law Offices of John V. O’Connor today. We can do a thorough examination of the scene of the accident to show fault. If the insurance company fails to pay you for damages, we are not afraid to aggressively fight for your rights in court. Get in touch with us in Kenosha, WI today.